ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC LAP-BAND® SURGERY FOR TEENS
Adolescent Lap Band® Surgery Program for Obesity in Teens
Although adults have been able to choose laparoscopic adjustable banding surgery for weight loss since 2001, younger patients have had to rely primarily on non-surgical methods or higher risk operative procedures to lose their excess weight. Bariatric surgery has not been performed as commonly in adolescents largely because the long-term consequences have not been fully studied. Northwest Weight Loss surgery has been offering Lapband surgery to teens since 2003.
The initial consultation includes an assessment consisting of a history and physical exam, nutrition evaluation and psychiatrist's evaluation. This multidisciplinary care is provided by an integrated team. "Our goal is to help patients lose weight with Lapland surgery," says Dr. Montgomery. "This requires discipline not only on the part of the patients, but strong support from their families as well."
During this procedure, several small abdominal incisions are made. Through these incisions, the surgeon places and secures an adjustable silicone band around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be tightened or loosened by adjusting a saline-filled balloon which lines the inside of the band; at the time of surgery, a small access port is implanted deep below the abdominal wall fat for this purpose. In most cases, the port remains unnoticed by the patient. With the upper stomach pouch made smaller by the band, patients feel full sooner, reduce their food intake, and begin losing excess weight gradually. According to Dr. Montgomery, adverse effects have been minimal in adolescent patients to date.
While some U.S. hospitals perform gastric bypass surgery in adolescents, Northwest Weight Loss Surgery has elected not to do gastric bypass in such young patients. In gastric bypass surgery, a large portion of the stomach is stapled off, creating a smaller stomach pouch that can accommodate significantly less food than before surgery. In addition, some of the small intestine is bypassed, so that nutrients and calories are no longer fully absorbed. "Patients who undergo gastric bypass lose excess weight more quickly after surgery than those who undergo Lap-Banding, but by three years post-surgery, weight loss is equal," says Dr. Montgomery. "We consider Lap-Banding to be safer than gastric bypass for most adolescents because there is no risk of gastric or intestinal leak. Furthermore, gastric bypass is virtually irreversible, and chronic problems with nutrient malabsorption can have long-term effects on growth and development."
There are multiple factors to consider when determining if weight loss surgery is right for you. Our practice will work with the family in assisting the decision to have weight loss surgery.
For more information please call 800-979-8982 or email Denise.Wood@nwwls.com
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